Most things in life have an ebb and flow to them. Some have steady drumbeats while others are volatile like an illiquid capital market. In order to get to the top of any venture, there is usually a combination of both. At some point, there are breakthroughs and jumps of multiple levels. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was selected by the Clippers with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He averaged 26.5 minutes per game as a rookie and showed that he belonged, putting up 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 47% from the field and 80% from the line. He was the 141st player for fantasy on a per-game basis. He was then traded to the Thunder in the Paul George deal and immediately played 34.7 minutes per contest. He finished as the 53rd player for fantasy, the first significant jump in his career. He improved in each of the next two seasons, but at a pace akin to the sink filling up, drip by drip, finishing 44th then 32nd. Then 2022 happened, and Shai rocketed up to where he is now, as a top 5 player. Yesterday, he continued to show that he is now one of the best and most well-rounded players in the NBA:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 40 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 12/24 | 16/19 |
It was the seventh career game that he’s scored at least 40 points, and it came in a win, 124-120 over Phoenix. The Thunder are currently 8th in the Western Conference, so we talkin’ bout playoffs. There are a ton of teams still in the mix so Shai should continue to bless us with his amazing play, showcasing his skills and putting everything on display. The Museum of Shai!
Here’s what else I saw yesterday:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 28 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5/9 | 10/18 | 3/3 |
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 17 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9/12 | 4/4 |
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4/4 | 9/19 | 3/3 |
The triumvirate for the Nuggets was delectable and dominant in the 108-102 victory over the Nets. It was like a triple-decker burger from….not In-N-Out but Fatburger. Don’t get me wrong. I love In-N-Out but I’m all about that Kingburger with egg, grilled onions and fat fries. Now, for any good burger, each ingredient has to play their part to perfection. Well, that’s what the Denver Triple Decker did on Sunday. Jokic messed around….yawn….Murray scored and dished out dimes while MPJ tickled the twine without a twinge in his spine. Only one other Nuggets player scored in double figures.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3/8 | 8/18 | 4/4 |
Bridges used to be one of the most well-rounded players, contributing everywhere without hurting anywhere. Has he suddenly morphed into the early-years Jordan Clarkson? Nothing to that extreme, but certain aspects of his game have been affected with the increased usage and responsibility. The efficiency has declined while some of the counting stats have decreased. He is still learning and adjusting to this new role. As of now, I’m thinking he may get overdrafted next season but we shall see.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 8 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1/3 | 3/6 | 1/1 |
Only the sixth time this season that Dinwiddie has attempted 6 or fewer shots. It was the 41st time in his career that he’s dished out at least 10 dimes in a game. Bridges to Dinwiddie…..
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1/6 | 5/13 | 3/3 |
One of the best 3-and-D players in the game. Is he now stepping up to be the new Mikal Bridges? I kid I kid, but he has been a top 50 player over the last three games. The efficiency and lack of blocks keep him from being a Bridges-esque player, but that’s ok. He stays in his lane and, more importantly, goes fast in the fast lane and goes to the right when someone wishes to pass.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3/6 | 1/3 |
Got the start for Deandre Ayton, who was out with a hip injury, and played 20 minutes. Bismack Biyombo Boards and Blocks. Talk about staying in your lane. Cameron Johnson will venture into the fast lane from time to time. Biyombo is more like a semi-truck, sticking to the right lanes and aware of where all the runoff lanes are.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 46 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3/7 | 18/28 | 7/8 |
The seventh time that Booker has put up at least 40 points in a game this season and the 25th in his career. The usage rate was a robust 39%. Unfortunately, it came in a loss, 120-124 to the Thunder.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 14 | 6 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2/3 | 5/15 | 2/2 |
Paul has been a marvel, dishing out over 9 dimes per game and racking up over 1.5 steals per game this season. He’s almost 38 years old! At his height, it really is remarkable, especially when you remember that he was one of the quickest players in the game. That said, Father Time is catching up to him, as he is almost 38 years old. Once a staple to convert around 48% of his field goal attempts, Paul sits at 43% this season.
The Spurs defeated the Hawks, 126-118.
Trae Young shot 4-of-15 from the field, 1-of-4 from downtown and 0-of-2 from the line for 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. He also turned the ball over 5 times. Was only the 20th time in his career that Young failed to score in double digits.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7/9 | 1/1 |
In 28 minutes. The C & C Music Factory hasn’t been bumping the tunes out on a consistent basis like in the past, but Capela has been doing what you want from him when he’s been on the court; grab boards and get blocks.
As for the Spurs….
The Spurs now have 19 wins while the Pistons are at 16 and the Rockets have 18.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 29 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5/8 | 12/17 | 0 |
I thought Vassell would be shut down for the rest of the season after his injury, but here we are. He’s playing 32 minutes a night. What a world. The Spurs have two back-to-backs the rest of the way, so Vassell will likely sit at least two games, but should be good for the rest of them, at least that’s how it’s looking right now. Things could change quickly, though, as the Wembanyama shadow grows larger and the number of Fat Head Wembanyamas are plastered all over Spurs HQ.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 29 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2/3 | 13/21 | 1/5 |
The points and usage rate increased for Johnson this season, something that we all expected. With more power comes more responsibilities, and Johnson had issues with them. The dimes ticked up a bit but the rebounds took a big dip while the efficiency came down as well. Maybe these minutes will be valuable for Johnson next season.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 4 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8/11 | 10/11 |
Good help is hard to find, so this Butler often takes it upon himself. That said, this Butler does have trust in his teammates and the system, as he does defer too often at times, to the detriment of us fantasy nerds. In addition, he isn’t the poster child of helath and games played. You take the good with the bad.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 7/12 | 8/9 |
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1/1 | 10/13 | 1/1 |
The theme of today’s post is: Stayin’ in yo lane. A Wiseman does not concern himself with dimes or defensive stats. That would bring chaos and disorder into his world. No, a Wiseman focuses on points and rebounds, and points and rebounds he has rewarded us fantasy nerds.
Rodney McGruder
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 15 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2/8 | 5/13 | 3/2 |
McGruder has started the last six games due to injuries, and he will likely continue to start. What’s the motivation to bring back Bojan Bogdanovic? For disclosure, I didn’t think the Spurs had any motiviation is bringing back Devin Vassell. But, but, but…McGruder has also been balling the F out. He’s been a top 40 player over the last four games, contributing in everything but blocks. The efficiency hasn’t been great but counting stats, counting stats, counting stats.
Jalen Duren only played 9 minutes due to a head-on-head collision with Kevin Love. He possibly has a concussion and could be placed in the protocol.
Cory Joseph
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 16 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3/6 | 5/11 | 3/4 |
Joseph has now scored double digits in eight straight games. What a time to be alive! But you should probably cherish this time because this run by Joseph could signify that the end is nigh.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1/1 | 6/12 | 8/9 |
In 33 minutes. Throughout his career, the playing time for Valanciunas has been sporadic. He rarely received at least 30 minutes early in his career. Upon coming to New Orleans, the situation has been better, but still, it hasn’t been a consistent 30+ of run a night. Just look at the last six games prior to Sunday: 32, 7, 16, 21, 16 and 34 minutes.
Well, on Friday against the Rockets, JV played 34 minutes and went for 22 points, 17 rebounds and 4 blocks. Is it a Houston thing? Perhaps. Is it a playing time thing? Possibly.
The two usage leaders for the Pelicans with no Zion Williamson are Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. They both played 39 minutes and scored 26 points. JINX! Ingram shot 12-of-24 from the field while McCollum went 9-of-18. This Pelicans team is going to be really, really good, very, very soon. A ton of young pieces. The team just needs to make more grandiose sacrifices to the injury gods.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 40 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4/9 | 11/22 | 14/14 |
I have doubts for the fantasy prospects of Green for the future. Will he be able to get buckets? For sure, but I’m not sure how many coaches will be patient with the inefficiency and lack of defense. Possibly an outcome that is a Malik Monk-type role? Am I completely off base here?
Kevin Porter Jr.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 25 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3/9 | 7/15 | 8/8 |
What I wrote above about Green is where I was close to being with KPJ, but I’ve seen growth from him. The efficiency is always a concern, but he’s shown flashes prompting optimism. He’s also been taking care of the ball more lately. Over the last six games, he’s been a top 60-ish player.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 13 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1/5 | 5/14 | 2/2 |
As the season has progressed, the efficiency has plummeted and the counting stats have decreased, especially on the defensive end. Is he playing too many minutes? Getting worn down? Still adjusting to the alpha role? I believe in Siakam because he’s tremendously talented and the work ethic and mental aspect are top notch. That said, he’s 29 years old and this may be who Siakam is. Not bad but will never be great.
Scottie Barnes only played 13 minutes because of a wrist injury. X-rays did come back negative. Gary Trent Jr. got the nod for him coming out of halftime and would likely re-enter the starting lineup if Barnes misses an extended period of time.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 22 | 13 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1/1 | 9/9 | 3/7 |
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5/8 | 7/13 | 1/2 |
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 26 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1/6 | 9/15 | 7/7 |
Oh, we talking about triumvirates today? Not many can beat this trio. And Jrue Holiday isn’t even showcased! The Bucks won 16 straight in February and have now won 22 of their last 25 games. Suck on that, league!
The Bucks were bringing Middleton along slowly, having him play in the 20s off the bench. He’s started the last five games and is playing around 32 minutes. The playoffs are almost upon us and the Bucks managed his situation to perfection. The Bucks have three more back-to-backs left so Middleton will likely miss those games. He should be good for the rest, though.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 20 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4/5 | 7/9 | 2/2 |
In 28 minutes off the bench. He was the only one from the bench that received over 20 minutes. With Norman Powell still out, Gordon is the microwave off the bench for the Clippers. And he is still a professional getter of buckets. He just won’t contribute much in any other category outside of points and treys.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 29 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3/6 | 8/22 | 10/12 |
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 24 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2/7 | 10/20 | 2/2 |
The Clippers Dynamic Duo says “F U” to all those other triumvirates. They are both two of the most well-rounded fantasy players in the game. It’s just all about health for them.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 23 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2/3 | 9/14 | 3/4 |
I had actually forgotten that he was still in the league.
With Jerami Grant out, Cam Reddish got the start but only played 19 minutes. He did not score and contributed 2 rebounds and 2 blocks. Instead, it was Trendon Watford who got 29 minutes off the bench. He went for 12 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1/4 | 8/20 | 4/4 |
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 21 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0/8 | 10/23 | 1/2 |
It’s all about triumvirates and duos today. Banchero has been a very impressive rookie. Man, at his size, the things that he can do are rivaled by few. He is going to be a superstar. As for Franz, I love him. He hasn’t been great for fantasy, as many of the counting stats have been lacking. But I can see games like last night’s to happen more on the regular. He has tremendous size and the skill that he matches with that size is impressive.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1/3 | 1/2 |
Like a beast rising from the depths of the Sea of Japan in a Godzilla movie, so has Goga risen recently. Relegated to the pine in Indiana, Goga has seen a bit of a resurgence, if you can call it that, in Orlando. Over the last four games, he’s played 20, 21, 8, and 15 minutes. He added another 15 on Sunday.
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT |
| 35 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1/4 | 9/14 | 16/18 |
They call him Hillbilly Kobe for a reason! Reaves showed at the end of last season that he could get buckets. Do you finally believe now? He led the Lakers to the 111-105 victory over the Magic, to keep the playoff hopes alive.
